James Craig (County Antrim, 20th century)
James Craig | |
|---|---|
| Chief whip of the Democratic Unionist Party in the Northern Ireland Assembly | |
| In office 1973–1974 | |
| Leader | Ian Paisley |
| Preceded by | Position created |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished |
| Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for North Antrim | |
| In office 28 June 1973 – 1974 | |
| Preceded by | Assembly established |
| Succeeded by | Assembly abolished |
| Member of Carrickfergus Borough Council | |
| In office 30 May 1973 – 2 November 1974 | |
| Preceded by | Council created |
| Succeeded by | Desmond Scott |
| Constituency | Carrickfergus Area B |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 1931 Carrickfergus, County Antrim, Northern Ireland |
| Died | 2 November 1974 |
| Political party | Democratic Unionist Party (from 1971) |
| Other political affiliations | Independent Unionist (1962 - 1971) |
James Anderson Craig (December 1931 – 2 November 1974)[1] was a Northern Irish unionist politician who was a founder member of, and early leading figure in, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).
Background
[edit]Educated at Larne Grammar School, Craig became a foreman for the Courtaulds company.[2] Although outside the establishment of the Ulster Unionist Party, he was nonetheless able to gain local representation as an Independent Unionist, serving as a member of Carrickfergus Borough Council from 1962 onwards, including a spell as deputy mayor from 1973 to 1974.[2] He also served as a member of the Northern Ireland Housing Council from 1973 to 1974.[2]
He attempted to gain election to the Parliament of Northern Ireland for Carrick in the 1969 election but lost to the UUP's Anne Dickson[2] However Craig's profile rose somewhat with the formation of the DUP in 1971. He was a founder member of the party and also sat on its executive until his death, whilst chairing the Carrickfergus branch of the party.[2] As a consequence Craig was elected to the 1973 Assembly for North Antrim and was DUP chief whip.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ Elliott, Sydney; Flackes, William D. (1999). Conflict in Northern Ireland: An Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO. p. 218. ISBN 9780874369892. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f W.D. Flackes & S. Elliott, Northern Ireland: A Political Directory 1968–1999, by Sidney Elliott and W. D. Flackes. Blackstaff Press (1999); ISBN 0 8564 0628 7.